Pergamon Tours

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Pergamon is an ancient city dating as far back as the 5th century BC. Credited with the invention of parchment, this once great seat of learning and culture had a library with over 20,000 volumes and a medical center - the remains of which can still be seen today.

Listed in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Asia, Pergamon flourished until the 14th century when, under Ottoman rule, it was abandoned and left to decay. Today, much of the remains of this once magnificent city lie underneath the modern-day city of Bergama but, thanks to Pergamon’s hilltop position, the remains of its most important buildings are still visible.

The Acropolis of Pergamon is clearly visible from anywhere in Bergama and closer inspection will reveal two partially reconstructed temples (Temple of Trajan and the Temple of Athena), ancient aqueducts and the incredible hillside theater, which is said to contain the steepest theater seating in the world.

Practical Info

Asclepion (the ancient medical center) was centuries ahead of its time in its use of therapies to cure ills. Here you’ll find a theater and several sacred pools whose purportedly radioactive waters were used to cure patients. Once accessed via the Sacred Way from the Acropolis, these days you’ll find the Asclepion across town, west of the Bergama Museum and city center.

Other important sites at Pergamon include the Red Basilica and the Zeus Altar.

Bergama (ancient Pergamon) is 100km (62mi) north of Izmir. Pergamon’s sites are spread over a large area and most people choose to see the ancient city on a guided tour.

While the ancient city of Ephesus draws millions of annual visitors, the UNESCO-listed ruins of nearby Pergamum are the perfect destination for those looking to explore further afield and avoid the crush of tourists. This private 6-hour shore excursion from Izmir takes in all the highlights of the ancient Greek city, including the remarkably preserved Acropolis, the healing center of Asklepion, the magnificent hillside amphitheater, and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Watch ancient history take shape before you on this five-day tour, featuring historic churches that date back to Biblical times. Departing from Izmir, combine the early history of Christianity with pre-Christian heritage, including a visit to an Acropolis and Temple of Apollo. This tour takes you to a huge variety of distinct and antique sites. Avoid the hassle of planning a complex itinerary; on this tour, your itinerary is taken care of.

See unbelievable ruins and some of Turkey’s best archaeological sites during this guided day trip to Pergamum and Asklepion from Izmir. Discover the 4th century city of Pergamum home to one of the largest ancient libraries, the impressive Altar of Zeus and the inclined Theatre of Anatolia. You will see the Roman Medical Center remnants of Asklepion where Galen, a famous physician, completed his finest work.